State Bank and CArmel Education Foundation Partnered for the 3rd annual carmel High school "start me up cup" event on March 13, 2025.
chs freshman, ravi patel, was awarded $1,300 to further his entrepreneurial project!
Do you have that next big idea?
"The success of this year’s competition is due in large part to the hard work and vision of the five business teachers who guided students through the process,” said Jennifer Penix, Executive Director of CEF. “A special thanks goes to Bob Loy, who championed the project and helped scale it across all course sections. Their commitment gave hundreds of students a real-world opportunity to explore entrepreneurship.”
Jenn Penix says that plans are already underway for the 2026 competition, which will once again culminate in a live event where Carmel’s next wave of young innovators will take the stage.
“This isn’t just about winning,” Penix added. “It’s about giving students an environment where they can build confidence, present their ideas to business professionals, and see themselves as capable, future-ready leaders. The Start Me Up Cup is a perfect example of our mission at work—supporting Carmel students in application of experiences that correlate to lifelong learning.”
Ravi Patel took first place and earned a $1,300 education grant.
Ravi Patel delivers his winning concept, RoboLuggage - an app-controlled, smart suitcase designed for convenience, security, and efficient travel.. He captivated the panel of local business leaders serving as judges.
Ravi Patel with his mother and sister.
Jim Badger (VP of Marketing, State Bank), Ravi Patel (Winner of 2025 Start Me Up Cup), & Jenn Penix (Executive Director, Carmel Education Foundation)
"Our continued partnership with CEF and this competition is about cultivating entrepreneurial thinking," said Jim Badger, VP of Marketing for State Bank. "We're excited to invest in students who are willing to think big and work hard to bring their ideas to life."
TOP THREE FINALISTS:
First Place ($1300) - Ravi Patel > RoboLuggage
Second Place ($700) - Isaac Nelson > TrueScan
Third Place ($400) - Sophie Collier, Emma Moore, & London Evans > Delightful Deliveriies
Finalists placing 4th-7th (not pictured) each received $150 in recognition of their innovative efforts.
The panelists presented their ideas to a panel of "shark" judges. They deliberated after the presentations to decide who takes home the prize.
(Jim Badger - VP of Marketing, State Bank, David Glenn - President, Coasterstone & Buttons Galore, Andrew Fairman - Partner, Cerity Partners, Lyndsey Brown - Owner/Publisher, Carmel Magazine, Sarah Walker - Director, The Hagerman Institute at the Hagerman Group)